San Rafael fire sparked in vacant apartment

A small fire caused minor damage at a vacant San Rafael apartment.

Firefighters were notified around 5:50 a.m. Wednesday to the fire at 238 Merrydale Road. There were no injuries and no evacuations.

The one-bedroom apartment was vacant and was undergoing a remodel. Neighbors called 911 when a smoke detector was activated, San Rafael fire Deputy Chief Robert Sinnott said.

The fire was contained to the kitchen. It caused an estimated $5,000 in damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation, Sinnott said.